A treatise of faith divided into two parts. The first showing the nature, the…A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the…

Thirdly, By faith we are taught, that man liveth not by bread only,¹ but by the providence of God, and his blessing upon his own ordinance. It is not the nature of the thing it self simply to nourish; if Gods blessing be not upon it,² it can afford no refreshing. Bread strengthens, wine comforts the heart by his ordinance and application of them to that use: but the blessing is not in the creature, it comes from above. Bread nourisheth when it is Gods hand or means to confer strength and vigour: but if he pluck away his hand, it is but a deaf nut. Thou mayest eat and not be filled;³ drink be and not satisfied. Thus it is noted of the Israelites, The Lord fed them with Manna, but sent leanness into their souls. This persuasion sinking deep into the believing heart, taketh it off the creature, and lifteth it unto the Lord in earnest and pertinent prayer, that he would of his grace vouchsafe unto us,⁴ as leave to use his creatures, so his blessing upon them, that the food we receive may do us good, we feeling the nourishing virtue thereof, and that with ⟨p. 375⟩joy and cheerfulness. The prayer of faith for Gods blessing upon the creatures when they are set before us should be no less earnest, then for the mercies themselves if wanting. For there is no more possibility in meat of it self to nourish without Gods blessing, then it is for man to live without meat.

Thirdly, By faith we are taught, that man liueth not by bread only,¹ but by the prouidence of God, and his blessing vpon his own ordinance. It is not the nature of the thing it selfe simply to nourish; if Gods blessing bee not vpon it,² it can afford no refreshing. Bread strengthens, wine comforts the heart by his ordinance and application of them to that vse: but the blessing is not in the creature, it comes from aboue. Bread nourisheth when it is Gods hand or meanes to confer strength and vigour: but if he plucke away his hand, it is but a deafe nut. Thou maist eate and not bee filled;